Pneumatosis Intestinalis in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients: An Uncommon Complication

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) causes many complications including the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), a rare side affect in patients with post-HSCT GVHD, is uncommonly seen in non-neonatal patients. In neonates, surgical intervention is common, yet in non-neonatal patients, medical management is advisable. We present four pediatric patients who post-HSCT developed GVHD and subsequently PI. Surgery was performed on one patient while the other three were successfully managed conservatively. Although PI is rare in this group of patients, clinicians should be aware of this post-HSCT complication to ensure early diagnosis and proper management.

Keywords :

• pneumatosis intestinalis
• hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
• graft-versus-host disease (GRHD)